Electric belt



(No Model.)

J. W. CUMMINGS;

ELECTRIC BELT. N0. 490,948. Patented Jan. 31.1893.'l

w@ n m w NETE rares ELECTRIC BELT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 490,948, dated January 31, 1893.

Application filed July 27, 1892. Serial No.441,360. (No model.) I

.To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN W. CUMMINGS, of Gold Hilhin the county of Storey and State of Nevada, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electric Belts; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates generally to electric body wear and particularly to an improved electric belt. y v

The object of my invention is to provide a belt in which the electrodes can be moved upon the belt to act upon different portions of the body and also one in which the strength and polarity of the current can be changed Whenever desired.

With these objects in view my invention consists in the peculiar construction of the several parts and their novel combination and arrangement, all ot which will be fully described hereinafter and pointed out in the claim.

In the accompanying drawingsz-Figure 1 is a perspective view of my improved belt ready for application, the belt being broken away to show the battery Within the same.

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view of one of the electrodes and connections. Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the battery detached from the pocket. Fig. 4 shows the details of construction of the cell. Fig. 5 is a detail view of the connecting key.

In carrying out my invention, I employ-a belt B, constructed preferably of flannel upon.

the interior and oil cloth upon the exterior. This belt is provided with an ordinary buckle b and at its back is arranged a waterproof pocket or case B adapted to receive the battery C, and this pocket is provided with aA iiap B2 to cover and protect said battery.

The battery C is composed of a series of cells or elements C', each cell consisting of an inner zinc plate h an outer copper plate b2, a wrapper of absorbent tape b3 and a connecting copper wire b4. The zinc plate is folded around the copper wire, and the leaves secured by puncturing the same as most clearly shown in Fig. 4. Theplate thus folded is then wrapped with a strip of -absorbent tape b3 and around the zinc-plate so Wrapped is folded the copper plate b2 the ends of said plate overlapping. The plate Wis also formed lwith a longitudinal groove b5 to receive the ends of the connecting wire b4 and is perforated to facilitate the action of the battery. Any number of cells constructed as above described may be connected in series and constitute a battery which is placed in the pocket or case B. The exciting fluid commonly employed is vinegar. A copper plate is arranged at one end of the battery and constitutes the positive pole of the same, while a Zinc plate at the other end forms the negative pole and to these two plates are connected the conducting wires D by means of keys D which are adapted to be inserted in the folded plates and produce an electrical connection.

E indicates the iiat. metallic electrodes which are connected to the outer ends of the conductor wires D, and contact with the body, thus completing the circuit, through the body. These electrodes instead of being permanently secured to the belt as ordinarily done, are movably secured thereon by means of/ loops E which slide upon the belt. Any suitable connecting device may be employed to connect the electrodes and conductor wires.

In operation, the battery, composed of any suitable number of cells, is impregnated with the exciting iiuid, and arranged within the pocket or case. into the pole plates and the flap turned down and secured. The outer ends of the conducting wires are secured to the electrodes and these electrodes are adjusted to bear upon any particular portions of the body by moving the loops upon the body of the belt until those points are reached. The belt is then fastened upon the body completing the circuit and starting the battery.

The electrodes can be adjusted whenever desired and if it should be wished to check the action of the battery one of the keys can be withdrawn and inserted again when needed. In case the current is too strong thekey in the negative pole is withdrawn and inserted in the zinc plate of any particular cell thus cutting off the desired number of cells and decreasing the electro-motive force 'of the battery. The manner of securing the connecting wire in the zinc plate by puncturing The keys'are then inserted IOO and the connecting Wire uniting the cells, the

copper plate being provided With the longitudinal grooves to receive said Wire, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

JOHN W. CUMMINGS.

I/Vitnesses:

GEO. L. DIRKs, JOHN F. SHEEHY. 

